The Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has called for robust efforts to entrench gender equality, empower women, and promote social inclusion across Nigeria.
This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s policy agenda and the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, aimed at ensuring no one is left behind.
Kennedy-Ohanenye made this appeal at the Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria Project Close-out and Dissemination ceremony, organized by ActionAid in Ilorin, Kwara State.
She commended ActionAid for enhancing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making processes across the seven states involved in the project.
“The project has empowered women to leverage their leadership and negotiation skills to tackle governance issues in their communities and beyond,” she said.
She urged ActionAid Nigeria and other partners to sustain the project’s gains and expand its reach to other states.
“I am thrilled with the project’s success, which has significantly increased women’s voices, participation, and visibility in leadership roles in the seven states.
“I commend ActionAid Nigeria and its team for their unwavering commitment,” Kennedy-Ohanenye added. She also expressed gratitude to ActionAid Nigeria for its ongoing support of various programs that aimed at enhancing the welfare of women.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, praised ActionAid Nigeria for its support in promoting women’s political participation and child rights, key components of his administration’s policies.
He assured that the state government would continue to provide technical and financial support to ensure the project’s success.
Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, represented by Noro Bature, the North Coordinator of the Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria Project, highlighted that the project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is dedicated to empowering women, challenging cultural norms, and advancing gender equality.
Mamedu revealed that about 469,130 women and girls across 16 local government areas in Kwara State have benefited from the support of 12 Community-Based Organisations and 100 Women’s Rights Organisations.
“These interventions have improved the lives of many women, girls, persons with disabilities, and their families, offering safe spaces, legal aid for survivors of gender-based violence, and promoting economic empowerment and leadership roles for women,” he said.
The project has impacted over a million individuals, underscoring the power of collaboration and the dedication of partners, stakeholders, and community members.
(Board Room)
